The National Federation of Families has been a significant influence in my journey from a stay at home mom, to having a job working in the field as a Family Support Provider (local level), then at the state as Coordinator of Family Involvement. I knew how to advocate and get the needs of my children and those of my foster children taken care of, but the Federation of Families at my local, state level and then the national level not only gave me information to cultivate my knowledge and skills, but they gave me the opportunities to be more than just a mom who had trekked thru children’s services. The Federation has offered trainings for families about understanding and valuing evaluation, in addition to leadership development; they stay on the cusp of best practices for family involvement and services. They have helped provide me TA with local support groups and the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health annual conferences have been a platform of support for me and many other families and youth. I’ve been to every conference since 2001, haven’t missed a single one. Working in behavioral health can be very draining, to say the least. So each year my soul gets re-energized at the conference! The Federation had some months in transition, I was very pleased and elated that they had advocates (from the Old Guard) who I met in my early year’s, to comeback and support the transitions and confirm their continued support by presenting workshops at the 2015 Conference. I bring family members and or young adults with me most years, and they are so on fire to bring back what they learned to share with others. The Federation of Families has done more for the Parent Peer Workforce Development. The Certification Commission for Family Support is the only entity that provides national certification for Parent Support Providers. The Certification Commission, with the support of the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health, is responsible for providing oversight to the development and administration of a credible CPSP certification. The independent Certification Commission ensures the credential meets high standards of ethical and professional practice for parent support services and the proficiency and competency of parent support providers. I am a proud member of the Federation celebrating my 15 year as a member and supporter. Thank you for the opportunity to share my voice in support for the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health.
As a first-time participant in a NFFCMH Conference, I was highly impressed with the level of organization, the valiant efforts of the staff and volunteers and the breadth of knowledge and experience demonstrated by the presenters I observed. I was particularly intrigued and informed by the group from the Pascua Yaqui Yoheme nation and their presentation of their work with Native American Indian families of that culture. I am proud to be descended from Yoheme/Yaquis, but this was my first opportunity to meet members of the Pascua Nation as a group. Their features looked familiar and many of their ideas were deep and enlightening. The Federation's obvious respect for and commitment to diversity, impels me to get better acquainted with this very worthy organization. As a man who was once a boy with serious challenges, I bring different perspectives. Nevertheless, I have been welcomed, trusted, and shown full respect by everyone I have encountered, including the Director herself. My overall impression is that the Federation is a positive and progressively evolving organization; One totally committed to a cause that deeply important to me and members of my family. Thank you for all the courtesy you-all have shown me and let me know how I can be of help to you.
Respectfully,
Adam Gettinger-Brizuela, MA, CATC-IV
The National Federation has lost the founding members true vision and mission of the grassroots organization. Their values now appear more focused on getting a paycheck verses really helping children, youth and their familes with mental disorders. I would not waste my time volunteering or donating to this phantom organization. If you choose to please do your homework about this organization first.
